NATCHEZ — Long-time Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Freeman announced Wednesday —the day he officially retired after 30 years as a deputy — he would seek to become sheriff.

“It’s bittersweet, but I’m ready for a change, and I think Adams County citizens are, too,” said Freeman, who served as a deputy for 30 years and continues to hold one of the county’s two constable seats. “There are some things I would like to change, and we have a new vision and new direction.”

Freeman is the first candidate to announce plans to challenge incumbent Adams County Sheriff Chuck Mayfield.

Qualifying officially opens for all county offices Jan. 1, but since the courthouse will be closed until Monday for the New Years holiday, Monday will be the first day candidates can officially qualify.

Mayfield said he plans to qualify Monday for the position he has held for nearly five years.

“This is my career,” Mayfield said. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is law enforcement and work for my community, and this community is the most important thing for me.”

Mayfield and Freeman squared off in 2009 in the race to fill the unexpired term of former Adams County Sheriff Ronny Brown, who died while in office.

In the 2009 race, Mayfield defeated Freeman by 100 votes, but both candidates fell short of winning the election outright with Adams County Constable Ray Brown taking the highest number of votes. Mayfield defeated Ray Brown in a runoff.

Ray Brown, who still serves as a Constable, said Wednesday he hasn’t made a decision on running for sheriff.

Mayfield ran unopposed in 2011 for his first full term.

Running for a second, full term was something Mayfield said didn’t need much consideration.

“This is what God has put me here to do — look after this community,” Mayfield said. “I want to continue serving this community.”

Freeman said he looked forward to returning to the campaign process and hearing the wants and needs of Adams County residents.

“There are 419 square miles in Adams County and last time we must have knocked on every door,” Freeman said. “It was very enjoyable meeting people and seeing what they’re concerns are and what we can do to help.

“My wife and I sat down, talked and prayed about it, and we decided it’s time for a change.”

Qualifying for all county offices ends Feb. 27.